Atomic Tube Amplifier for Amp Modelers

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Atomic Reactor 112

The Atomic Reactor 112 is a unique tube amplifier specifically designed by the legendary amp guru, Harry Kolbe, to bring to life the tone created by modeling tools, with all of the organic warmth and power our ears love to hear. Guitarists can now generate the versatile, authentic sounds from dozens of different tube amps and effects and take them live to every gig, rehearsal and jam session. All you need is the Atomic Reactor 112 and your amp modeler, which conveniently mounts right into the amp.

The beauty of the Atomic Reactor 112 is in its simplicity. Plug in and turn the amplifier on. No volume knob, EQ or reverb to fuss with - that's all in the modeler! Its all-wood cabinet is lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to transport.

 

The Concept

The advantages of using digital modelers are apparent but even more so for the live player. There's an endless universe of distinctive guitar tones out there, yet to own a large assortment of classic gear, keep the equipment in top shape, and transport it all from gig to gig is unrealistic for most musicians. Digital amp modeling technology has brought the most coveted tones into headphones and studios everywhere. But try to take that sound live and the results are compromised...

· If you plug a modeler into a traditional tube amp, the amp can't help but color the tone - the modeler is treated as just another effect in the chain.

· Solid-state amplification is, well, solid-state - tight, compressed and sterile.

· Going direct into a PA system just doesn't cut it - especially for players who rely on the responsiveness of their amps.

In Harry’s Words

What is the secret behind the ultimate guitar tone?

Harry: I've sounded like a broken record on this topic for years, but a guitarist's sound is defined by every element along the chain: the fingers, the strings, the guitar and its electronics, the cord, the amp and the speakers. Every element must work together to create the elusive perfect tone. Some guitarists invest too much in pieces of the chain and settle for substandard equipment elsewhere. A superb electric guitar will not sound good through an amp with crappy speakers. In my experience, amp manufacturers do not

obsess enough on optimizing the speaker system for the application.

What did you initially think about the challenge posed by inventing what has become the Reactor 112?

Harry: I was intrigued but skeptical. I thought it was problematic at the start. While digital technology in music has come a long way, we will look back to today and say that it was still developing. Musicians have to inspire themselves with their own sound, and most can sense that something's missing when that sound is purely digital. With Atomic Amps, we are bridging the gap, restoring the touch, the musicality and the vibe of authentic tube power that has inspired musicians for the last 50 years.

How did you approach the design of the Reactor 112?

Harry: I figured I would rely on my experience to see what I could do. I have worked successfully on several projects reconciling the digital/analog divide. Through that process, I cultivated a theory about why digital doesn't feel organic. Regarding the Reactor 112, the solution was to design a speaker, cabinet and power amp voiced specifically to overcome some of the undesirable characteristics created by digital modeling. Based on the overwhelming reaction we have received from a number of industry colleagues who have heard it, I think we succeeded.

Tones

The Atomic Reactor 112 is an amplifier "without an opinion." That's a good thing because it will not color or equalize the signal coming from your modeler. However, it "de-digitizes" the signal to create that coveted analog sound.

Unlike other amps that use modeling front-ends, the Reactor 112 has real presence. The sound transcends the box that generates it. It fills the room as only a well-engineered tube amp can.

Once you dial up your modeled amp and effects, you will hear its true, uncolored reproduction powered by the organic warmth and presence of a tube amp - loud and proud.

 

Reactor 112 Specifications

115V AC, 50/60 Hz 45W

P O W E R  R E Q U I R E M E N T S : 240V AC, 50 Hz 45W

AMPLIFIER POWER OUTPUT: 18W into 8 ohms at 3% THD

175 MV (-13db) at 1000 Hz

POWER AMP INPUT SENSITIVITY (RETURN): for 18watts output

POWER AMP INPUT IMPEDANCE: 56 K ohm

TUBES:

Two Premium JJ Brand EL84 tubes and one 12AX7A tube 2A 250V at 115V setting

FUSE: 1A 250V at 240V setting

SPEAKER: One Atomic G12 Mega-Tön™ 12”, 8 ohm, 150 watt speaker

Height: 19.25 in 48.9 cm

DIMENSIONS: Width: 26.00 in 66.0 cm

Depth: 11.00 in 27.9 cm

Unit Weight 42.50 lbs. 19.3 kg

 

 

 

 

 

 


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